For those with time on their hands who really want to see more than most get to see of the Mekong Delta this is the perfect itinerary. Rich with culture, lush flat floodplains, complex web of waterways and friendly locals it is a truly fantastic place to explore by bike. There is a support vehicle on hand if necessary should cycling on your bike get too much but the landscape is so flat and there is so much to see that you will hardly realize you are cycling!
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho (40km) (L, D)
Drive out of the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the safety of My Tho (2 hours) and get acquainted with your bicycle. Then enjoy a 40 km cycle ride along a combination of well paved, sand and dirt paths. Cycle along a local villge path to the Cai Be floating market. Drop by a French colonial style villa for a delicious and well deserved lunch before enjoying a 2 hour traditional boat trip from Cai Be to Vinh Long to experience river life. Meet up with the van and drive to Can Tho to check into the hotel.
Day 2: Can Tho to Soc Trang (48km) (B, L, D)
Wake up early for a morning boat trip to the bustling and colorful Cai Rang floating market We then drive to Phung Hiep (1 hour) and commence cycling alongside a small river. Cycle along a tiny village route under the shade of banana trees, opening out to rice paddies and the river. We pass through small markets and villages before arriving to Khmer Pagoda. Learn more about Buddhism before cycling further into the delta to Tan My Village, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Today really is the highlight and gets you deep into the delta, where you will witness Khmer influenced architecture. Upon arrival check into hotel and enjoy a short cycle to some significant pagodas and, if time permits, a Khmer Museum.
Day 3: Soc Trang to Sa Dec (54km) (B, L, D)
This morning is an early start to enjoy a drive and a ferry crossing to Can Tho. Upon arrival get back onto the bikes for a 3 hour cycle in the direction of Sa Dec, through country lanes, paddy fields, bamboo villages and windy paths, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. On arrival at Sa Dec check into your hotel and visit some of the local sights by bicycle, including the riverside market, old houses and French villas from colonial times, as well as historic temples and pagodas. The rest of the evening is free time.
Day 4: Sa Dec to Cao Lanh (55 - 70 km) (B, L, D)
From Sa Dec start biking on small riverside routes dotted with old houses, temples, pagodas and churches, to flower village. We cross a river by ferry and then bike to Xeo Quyt via a green islet. Continue cycling till we reach Xeo Quyt, an evergreen Cajeput forest .A small boat will take you into the forest, where vestiges of an army base can still be seen. A further 15 km of biking from Xeo Quyt will bring you to Thanh My village where you keep cycling along a main road (22km) before enjoying a picnic lunch. After lunch either transfer to the van or cycle the remaining 20kms to Cao Lanh. Upon arrival, check into hotel and explore the Nguyen Sinh Sac tomb or relax at the park.
Day 5: Cao Lanh to Ho Chi Minh City (35km) (B, L)
In the morning get back on the bicyle for the final 2 hour (35km) cycle ride to Gao Giong. Visit the Gao Giong bird sanctuary via a relaxing boat ride before lunch and then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (4 hours).
4 days 3 nights
Ho Chi Minh - Kien Giang
2 days 1 nights
Ho Chi Minh - Vinh Long
3 days 2 nights
Ho Chi Minh - Can Tho
